Musketeer Madness Scrimmage Musings

[Anti-Homer]

My biggest concern with all of the reviews that I am reading about all of our highly rated incoming freshmen is that nobody thinks that any of them is any better than an average shooter. In a game where the object of the game is to get the ball in the basket it appears that the lane is going to get way too crowded if penetration is the only way to score.

It won't be an issue this year with Blueitt, JP, Kantner, and Gates. Possibly Harden as well. Losing Ridder really hurts though, for next year. However, hopefully, Harden will be one answer, and we also have one freshman for 18' from TX so who is supposed to be a really good shooter. However, how that will translate to the college game remains to be seen. Hopefully, X can bring in another good shooting recruit from a declining pool, or pick up one or two grad transfers.

[Theology73]

Basketball Jones looked extremely powerful and HUGE. Sean actually looked small next to him. Looks much more ready than most of our previous bigs did as Sophs.

[hoosiermark]

First off, surprised at how good an outside shooter Kanter is at 6'10" made the final two shootout for 3pt contest, which Gates one easily.

Overall, the players that shined Tyrique Jones was unstoppable inside. I don't have stats from the game but he was very strong on the boards and have several put backs. Q looks even stronger and quicker. He is not ready to let Scruggs take the point. I can't wait for Gooden match up with opposing point guards and his penetration was impressive. Blueitt looks leaner and quicker. Shot was pure and he made several quick moves to the basket. Gates showed well with better defense than last year and hit one three in the 10 minute scrimmage. O'Mara didn't get many looks as his team struggled to make good passes into the post. Kanter made one three and he will be a good addition to the team. Macura did not play, no reason given.

The Three Freshman look good, Marshall is very athletic and really played great defense against Blueitt. I think he may be the best of the three at this point. Scruggs can handle the ball, didn't show much of a shot but with Goodin guarding him that is understandable. I can only imagine how much better he will be with that practice match up daily. Harden is a little behind but shows a good outside shot and I think he will contribute.

My overall impressions, very athletic, great size, depth at each position, stay healthy and this could be a great run this year.

Does Kanter appear to have the court speed to run the floor as this team certainly has the speed for? I didn't know if his former school played slow down ball or if they ran a lot. I hope he has decent quickness for the offense.

[XU80]

Kanter, won't be the first one up the floor, but he won't be the last one up the floor. Look to have decent foot work and can body up inside. I think he is a big improvement over Rasheed Gaston.

[Shadow]

Kanter, won't be the first one up the floor, but he won't be the last one up the floor. Look to have decent foot work and can body up inside. I think he is a big improvement over Rasheed Gaston.

2016-17 XAV 18.2 3.0-5.1 .590 0.0-0.0 .000 1.3-2.4 .549 5.9 0.6 0.5 0.2 2.3 1.1 7.4
Looking at Gaston's stats, that is hard to fathom.

[thecoach]

I think this team will be very competitive with half court teams. Teams that can push the ball with athletic big guys we'll struggle to get up and down the court with. Hopefully Jones and Kanter can avoid foul issues.